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AsiaPacific

The IOF Regional Programme aims to develop a regional structure based on collaboration between member companies of the IOF. The regional offices help to obtain the necessary resources to support CNS members locally. The programme is vital for the growth of the IOF and the strengthening of organizations dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and skeletal muscle diseases worldwide.

The IOF Asia-Pacific office, located in Singapore, was established in 2010 and had its first IOF Asia-Pacific Regional meeting that year there as well. Since then, the Asia-Pacific office has been working closely with the national societies in the region (IOF CNS members) as well as the Asia-Pacific Regional Advisory Council to develop programmes and initiatives in line with the IOF mission. As of 2015, there are 35 organizations from 16 countries in the Asia Pacific region that are part of the worldwide CNS member network. These countries include Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone", is a disease that decreases the density and quality of bone which would consequently increase the risk of fractures (broken bones). As the bones become more porous and fragile fracture risks increases significantly even though there is minor decline due to everyday activities.

Bone loss occurs silently and gradually without apparent symptoms or pain until the first fracture occurs. These fractures usually occur in the bones of the wrist, humerus, pelvis, hip and spine. As such, osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent disease".

Osteoporosis is a treatable disease with a combination of change in lifestyle and appropriate medical treatment where fractures can be avoided.

A common disease

It is estimated that worldwide, a person suffers an osteoporotic fracture every three seconds. After age 50, one in three women and one in five men will suffer a fracture at some point in their lives. For women, the risk of hip fracture is greater than the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer put together.